Domain pricing may look simple, but it includes several different items. Registration, transfer and renewal do not always cost the same. If you do not check them before buying, a cheap first-year domain can become expensive later.
If you want to understand the full domain maintenance process, also read Domain lifecycle.
Domain registration
Registration is the first purchase of an available domain. You enter a name, choose an extension and pay for the first period, usually one year. Registration prices are often promotional, especially for popular extensions such as .pl, .com.pl or .eu.
A registration promotion does not mean the same price will apply next year. Always check renewal.
Domain renewal
Renewal is the fee for extending the domain for another period. This is the most important price for anyone planning to use a domain for years.
If a domain costs only a few PLN in the first year but over 100 PLN at renewal, the real maintenance cost is very different from the starting price.
Domain transfer
Transfer means moving a domain to another registrar. You need an AuthInfo code from the current provider.
For .pl domains, transfer usually does not extend the validity period. For many global domains, transfer includes a fee equal to renewal and adds another year. Rules vary by extension.
Restoration or redemption fee
If a domain expires, it may enter a period where it can still be restored. Restoration often costs more than regular renewal. In the worst case, the domain may return to the public pool and be registered by someone else.
That is why renewal reminders are important.
How to read a domain price list
When comparing registrars, check four columns:
- registration,
- transfer,
- renewal,
- restoration or redemption.
Only the full set shows what the domain will cost in practice.
Domains and hosting
A domain and hosting are separate services. The domain is the address, while hosting is the place for the website and email. You can keep them with different providers, but managing both in one panel is often easier.
If you are moving a website, remember that domain transfer is not always required. Sometimes changing DNS records is enough.
Summary
The cheapest first-year domain is not always the cheapest to maintain. Before buying, check registration, transfer, renewal and possible restoration cost.
Current extension prices are available in the MGHost domain price list. If you are not sure whether transfer is needed, contact us. When comparing total website cost, include hosting too, as explained in How to Compare the Real Cost of Hosting Over 3 Years.
Have a question that hasn't been answered or want to know more? Contact us!
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